Skoda Vision X Production Version Confirmed For 2019 Geneva Show

Skoda is one year away from launching its third SUV for Western markets after the Kodiaq and smaller Karoq.

Essentially a sister model of the Seat Arona, it will be revealed at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, the brand’s head of Sales and Marketing, Alain Favey, told journalists at a recent press conference, AutoNews reveals.

Previewed by the Vision X study at this year’s event few weeks ago, it will ride on the MQB A0 platform and it could use a similar powertrain. The concept had a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine that could run on gasoline or CNG, a rear-mounted electric motor and a belt-driven starter-generator 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Thanks to this layout, it could accelerate from 0 to 100km/h (0-62mph) in 9.3 seconds and emit just 89 g/km of CO2.

“We developed the electric axle two years ago, when we started to think about how to optimize our drivetrains for internal combustion engines and electric motors. Now we are discussing who, when and where we will produce it”, commented Skoda CEO Bernhard Maier.

Skoda’s new crossover, which could adopt a nomenclature similar to the Karoq and Kodiaq, will resemble the two, as well as the Vision X. In essence, expect a toned down styling with reshaped headlights and taillights and proper door handles and side mirrors.

The main difference inside will be the addition of a floating-style infotainment system that will set it apart from the Karoq and Kodiaq.

Moreover, the VW Group-owned brand is ready to launch another crossover in China, the Kamiq, which is a tad larger than the Karoq built locally by the Shanghai Volkswagen joint venture and will go on sale this June.

It’s still too early to know whether the Vision X-based model will be launched in Asian markets, but don’t expect to see the Kamiq in the West, as it is built solely for the Chinese market.